Third Wheel, a Chicago-based video production company, has rebranded under the name Hike Creative. Video production is still the main focus of the company, started in 2012 by Chicago producer Megan St. John, but with the new name comes a honed-in mission and new brand voice.
As a full-service production company offering services from pre-production through post, the Third Wheel portfolio spanned commercial work as well as narrative films and web series, but Hike will focus solely on the commercial corner of the industry, specifically web content, branded films, and social campaigns. Over the last two years the company has also partnered with various agencies to provide production support and crew for shoots. Under the new moniker, Hike will continue to develop relationships with direct clients and aims to be a resource for agencies who are looking for a team to help bring their creative to life.
The company’s new brand voice promotes brand storytelling and proclaims the best stories are about adventure.
“Adventure isn’t always climbing a mountain–we believe adventure is your story,” said St. John. “It’s where you came from, why you do what you do, your journey. It’s what makes you unique–that’s what people love to hear about and those are the stories we love to tell.”
That’s why seeking adventure is at the root of everything the company does. “We want to discover what makes our clients stand out, and then we infuse that into any and all content we make for them,” said Tom Kinstle, the company’s cinematographer. “This ensures authentic, distinct content, and that turns heads.”
Hike additionally has plans to expand to Milwaukee in 2020. As a woman-owned business, Hike strives to collaborate with other creative and entrepreneurial women, especially as it begins to develop a director roster over the next year. The Hike team is also in the initial stages of building a summer camp that teaches the basics of filmmaking to children and adults with special needs.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
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